Unit 1: Geography of Georgia SS8G1: The student will describe Georgia with regard to physical features and location.

Vocabulary Terms to Know SS8G1a Region: Region: An area with common characteristics such as soil, vegetation, climate, landforms, recreation and economic opportunities. Nation: Nation: A territory or country. Continent: Continent: One of seven large land masses on Earth. Hemisphere: Hemisphere: A half of a sphere or the Earth.

Location SS8G1a Located on the continent of North America Located in the southeastern region of the USA Georgia is bordered by five states on the: A.Florida B.South Carolina C.Alabama D.Tennessee E.North Carolina

Location

Absolute & Relative Location

Location

Georgia has 159 counties Georgia is ranked 24th in size among the 50 U.S. states. Largest state east of the Mississippi River. Highest mountain point in Georgia is Brasstown Bald (4,784 feet), which is located in Twiggs County Atlanta is the capital city.

Absolute Location: Relative location: Georgia is bordered by ---states. It is located north of ----, south of -----, etc. Georgia is also bordered by the Ocean Region of the USA: Continent: Hemisphere:

5 Geographic Regions SS8G1b

5 Geographic Regions Each of these regions has soil, physical features, and climate that help determine what kinds of animals and plants can live and thrive in it.

5 Geographic Regions Appalachian Plateau Region: Appalachian Plateau Region: The mountainous region found in the northwestern corner of Georgia. Its most prominent features are Lookout and Cloudland Canyon.

5 Geographic Regions Ridge and Valley Region: Ridge and Valley Region: It occupies most of the northwestern part of Georgia. Forms a series of parallel valleys separated by ridges in the northwest corner of the state. The valleys contain fertile land for farming.

5 Geographic Regions Blue Ridge Region: Blue Ridge Region: It is located in the northeastern part of Georgia. It consists of mountains, ridges, and basins. Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s tallest mountain, is located in this region.

5 Geographic Regions Piedmont Region: Piedmont Region: It contains a series of rolling hills and occasional isolated mountains (Stone Mountain and Pine Mountain). Rivers and ravines are found throughout this region. Red clay soil is found in this region. ½ of Georgia’s population lives in the Piedmont Region. We live in this region.

Fall Line Also known as the Fall Zone It stretches across the state from Augusta to Columbus. It is the natural boundary that separates the Piedmont and Coastal Plain Regions. Land elevation drops and the water flows at an increase rate. Georgia’s waterfalls are located along the fall line.

5 Geographic Regions Coastal Plain Region The Georgia coast is associated with the Coastal Plain Region, a low, flat region of well-drained, gently rolling hills and poorly drained flat woods. Coastal Plain The Atlantic Ocean forms the eastern border of the Coastal Plain. The southern border of this province is formed by the Gulf of Mexico, in the state of Florida. This region is divided into the inner and outer Coastal Plains. Coastal Plain The Coastal Plain is the largest region in Georgia.

Physical Features SS8G1c Fall Line Piedmont Region Coastal Plain Region Fall Line is located between the Piedmont Region and Coastal Plain Region. It is the point at which hilly or mountainous lands meet the coast plain. This is where Georgia’s waterfalls and rapids are found.

Physical Features Okefenokee Swamp Okefenokee Swamp is a wetland haven for hundreds of plants, animals, and reptiles. Coastal Plain Region This swamp is located in the outer Coastal Plain Region.

Physical Features Georgia two major seaports are: Savannah & Brunswick, GA. Georgia’s rivers are important to the state. A.Provides habitat for thousands of plant and animal species B.Transportation routes for ships carrying goods C.Provide drinking water for many areas D.Generate hydroelectric power at many dams and cool the reactors at facilities that provide nuclear power in the state E.Source of recreation for people who like to canoe, kayak, and swim

Physical Features 11 Major state rivers are: 1.Etowah River 2.Coosa River 3.Chattahoochee River 4.Oostanaula River 5.Flint River 6.Chattooga River 7.Savannah River 8.Ogeechee River 9.Oconee River 10.Ocmulgee River 11.Altamaha Rivers

Physical Features Barrier Islands Along Georgia’s eastern coastline are the Barrier Islands. They are all located in Glynn County. These islands protect Georgia’s beaches on the eastern coastline by blocking wind, sand, and water from eroding the land. These islands are wildlife sanctuaries, recreation, and tourist attractions. Also, known as the “Golden Isles” these islands are named: Tybee, St. Simon, Jekyll, Cumberland, Sea Island, Wassaw, Ossabaw, St. Catherines, and Sapelo.

Georgia’s Barrier Islands

Secret Seashore: Georgia’s Barrier Islands (Georgia Public Broadcast, 2011) Media Clip:

Georgia’s Climate SS8G1d Climate Climate refers to the average weather and patterns of weather of a region over a long period of time. Climate Climate of a region influences the types of homes built, the types of industries that develop, the clothing people wear, and what crops are grown. Georgia’s climate is temperate/mild, which means it rarely has extremes of weather.

Climate Georgia’s population continues to grow, with new businesses moving to the state. People have migrated to Georgia from other regions of the USA, due to its temperate/mild climate.

Climate Georgia’s rainfall allows for: A.Agriculture in much of the state B.The many rivers and streams provide drinking water C.Transportation D.Electric power

Climate Georgia is subject to two extreme forms of weather: tornadoes and hurricanes. On average, Georgia has about 20 tornadoes a year (March through May). Tropical storms can turn into hurricanes if their wind speed increases. Hurricanes that affect Georgia begin in the tropical area of Atlanta Ocean, Caribbean Sea or Gulf of Mexico.

References Caldwell, L. A. (2010). Georgia: Its heritage and its promise. Atlanta, GA: Clairmont Press. Klein, P. (2005). Georgia: In the American Experience. Atlanta, GA: McDougal Littell